In-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy of 190, 197Po

γ -ray transitions in the neutron-deficient nuclei 190, 197Po have been identified using the JUROGAM Ge detector array coupled to the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT spectrometer. The yrast band of 190Po has been firmly established through γ -γ coincidences and extended up to a spin and parity of 14+. It displays similar behaviour to its isotones 186Hg and 188Pb above the 4+ level, thus confirming its prolate nature. In 197Po the band built upon the 13/2+ isomer has been extended up to a spin and parity of 33/2+, while the non-yrast band has been observed for the first time. The behaviour of 197Po is found to be similar to that of the nearby even-mass isotopes, which is consistent with the model in which the i13/2 neutron is weakly coupled to the states in the even-even core.